Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar Tupper found a new future at UM-Flint

"Honestly, the best part of this whole experience has been running across my kids at the UCEN," said English major and Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar Diane Tupper. "My son, Dominick, is about to graduate with a degree in wildlife biology, and we went through these last four years together. My son Seth is on campus regularly with the Grand Blanc Early College program, and my youngest, Nora, is in the Genesee Early College, so we all run across each other all the time — although sometimes we just acknowledge each other with a nod," said the Grand Blanc native.

While 2020 changed lives around the world, it was particularly so for Tupper, who lost her husband that year. "I had been a stay-at-home mom for more than 20 years, working just part-time here and there, and even though I had always wanted to go to college, there just wasn't enough time, raising a family. But after my husband died, it wasn't an option anymore — I needed to find a new future because the one that I thought I had died along with him," Tupper said.

Tupper had always had a passion for writing, but she also needed to stay close to home. The English program at the University of Michigan-Flint offered a writing concentration that fit the bill. "I chose writing because the ability to communicate well transcends industries, and I knew that it would be hugely beneficial, no matter what I decided to do," she said.

Early in her studies at UM-Flint, Tupper connected with Professor of English Bob Barnett, who offered her the opportunity to be his research assistant.

"I really embraced any opportunities that I could be involved in, and working with Bob has been incredibly rewarding," she said. "We're working on a book that analyzes various countercultural movements in America, beginning in the 1870s through the 1970s, to find common threads connecting each movement — and countercultural movements in the future."

As part of her work with Barnett, Tupper traveled to the San Francisco Writers' Conference in February, funded in part by the Fran Frazier Student Travel Scholarship. "That experience was a highlight as we were able to meet with other writers, interview and meet with book agents, and receive constructive feedback on how to craft our formal book proposal for our book, 'The Revolution is Coming!: How to Build an American Counterculture,'" said Tupper.

"I initially invited Diane to be my research assistant on the project, which has since evolved into a book that she is co-authoring with me," Barnett said. "She has spent the better part of the past three years researching three different counterculture movements. From the outset, her profound contributions have significantly shaped the book's identity and focus. Her skills as a researcher and writer are undeniable, and she has often led the charge in writing about each movement. She's also uncovered research that has become critical to the book's success."

As a non-traditional student, Tupper found that conversations with other students were among her most enjoyable experiences at UM-Flint. "I learned so much from everybody — from the faculty, of course, but also my classmates. There is so much kindness here, so much hope. The drive that this upcoming generation has is inspiring to me," she said.

When Tupper learned she was named a Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar, she was overwhelmed. "It had been such a long time since I had been in school, so the fact that I could come to UM-Flint and not only do well but be at the top of my game is absolutely incredible," she said. "It's an incredible honor, not just for me, but for the faculty and staff who supported me throughout this process. They encouraged me to engage in activities beyond my degree that truly expanded my educational experience and significantly boosted my self-confidence. It turns out I can do more than I thought I could, and be successful at it. It's never too late." 

As Tupper looks to the future, she has her sights set on graduate school. "I'm the eldest of 12 kids, so I've always been the big sister or the mom, and I've always been very socially minded — I volunteered in my kids' schools, I was a birth doula for 15 years, and have done a lot of work in the community over the years," she said. "Now that I've shown myself what I can accomplish, I think the next step is to get my master's in social work, as I'd love to get into counseling. Therapy was a crucial element of my family's healing after my husband died, and I want to share that healing with others."

Tupper encourages others who are considered non-traditional students not to let their insecurities hold them back. "This experience showed me who I am, what I'm capable of doing, and that it's not too late — it's never too late. I still have a lot to offer. There are a lot of women my age facing the prospect of going back to work now that they've raised their kids, and it is daunting," she said. "There's a real fear that no one will hire us because of our age, that it will hold us back, but I am proof that there are so many extraordinary experiences available, and that not only does life experience matter, it can be to your advantage."